Hated this movie
Based on bits and pieces I had heard about it, my initial thought about "The Master" was that it was a movie I would never bother to see. Then I read some glowing reviews from other independent scientologists I know and trust, and I changed my mind - went to see the move last night with my wife, thoroughly expecting to enjoy myself. Boy, was that a false hope.
I HATED this movie. I walked out after 90 minutes, and I only waited that long because I was with my wife. It was easily one of the most aberrated, low-toned films I have ever seen, and I am somewhat of a movie buff who will watch just about anything. The move was a thorough, wall-to-wall trashing of L. Ron Hubbard, Mary Sue Hubbard, Dianetics and Scientology. Subtle at times, at other times not.
Let me give a specific example: in my youth, I had an experience where a sexual pervert tried to hypnotize me (to dramatize what evil purpose I don't even want to know). In the scene where LRH gives Freddie his first "session," the voice tone, demeanor and questioning-style of LRH exactly matched what I experienced with that pervert, including asking very loaded sexual questions. It's a great way to introvert a person!
I'm lucky to have talked directly with several individuals who knew LRH very well and very personally. They readily acknowledge his flaws, but they also acknowledge the great qualities that this man had. None of them described him as the manipulative scumbag portrayed in "The Master."
The only positive thing I can say about this movie is that it is absolute confirmation of the existence of alternate universes. Because the independent scientologists who liked it clearly live on a different plane of reality than I do.